At the present time, search and rescue operations are ongoing for the aircraft carrying Secretary of the Interior Jesse Robredo, an aide, and the pilot of the plane. The aircraft was off the coast of Masbate when contact was lost earlier today. We will be updating the public as details are confirmed: speculation is not useful at this point.

As of 7:40 p.m., Masbate Gov. Lanete reported that rescue operations for Robredo temporarily halted due to visibility, "too dark to continue."